Kirurumu Manyara Lodge (formerly Kirurumu Tented Lodge) is a simple, comfortable property which makes a good, economic base from which to explore both Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. It has a spectacular location right on the edge of the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, with picturesque views back across Lake Manyara.
The bush around the lodge has been left in its original state, so instead of manicured gardens you will find native vegetation which creates a very natural environment. This in turn attracts a lot of birdlife and birdsong is ever-present at Kirurumu. Stone pathways lead between the main areas and the rooms and as you walk along these you'll notice that many of the endemic plants have been labelled – we really liked this touch.
The dining and bar areas are set slightly apart; the bar is situated in a lovely spot looking right out across Lake Manyara, whilst the dining room is tucked back into the bush. Both are simply designed, open-sided buildings with a rustic feel to them. They have been modestly decorated using traditional coloured fabrics for the soft furnishings. The communal areas are very comfortable and functional – but what they lack in style they make up for in their prime location and superb views.
Dotted across 13 acres of land, each tented room sits on a raised wooden deck and has a spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom and private veranda. These rooms are also simply styled and have large beds, plain but attractive furniture and makuti mats (mats made from palm tree fronds) on the polished stone floors. (Click here for more info on the tented rooms at Kirurumu...)
Kirurumu Manyara Lodge also has two suites. Despite the grander name, these have similarly styled interiors to the standard tented rooms. However, they are larger with two bedrooms each and so work very well for families. (Click here for more info on the suites at Kirurumu…..)
Guests staying at Kirurumu Manyara Lodge will always be accompanied by their own private driver/guide who is journeying northern Tanzania's wildlife areas with them. So activities from the lodge typically focus on full day safaris with a picnic lunch, led by said guide and in a private vehicle. There's the option to spend the day in Lake Manyara National Park, about 20 minutes drive away, or to head a little further afield to the Ngorongoro Crater; an approximate 90-minute drive away. If you stay at Kirurumu for three or more nights you can easily visit both areas. Village walks and traditional lunches can be arranged at Mto Wa Mbu, a village bordering Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge can also organize short botanical walks in the local area with Maasai guides. For guests who want a more relaxing option, 30 and 60 minute massages are offered for about US$30 and US$40 respectively.
In conclusion… Kirurumu Manyara Lodge is a comfortable, friendly and unpretentious lodge. When we were last there, the lodge seemed to function well and the staff were available to answer any questions that we had. There is little to get inspired about at Kirurumu as it's a comparatively average lodge. Having said that, it's a relatively economic accommodation option and the mesmerizing views from the bar are amazing; it is worth staying here for the views alone.
Ideal length of stay: Spend two nights here if you just want to visit Lake Manyara National Park. It is also possible to stay longer if you prefer not to move on a daily basis; but then spend one of your days on safari to the Ngorongoro Crater.
Central facilities: The main buildings of Kirurumu Manyara Lodge are dotted in amongst the surrounding bush, connected by winding stone pathways. All of the areas are very tidy and well kept and, though not overly stylish, they do have a simple rustic charm.
As you arrive you walk into the reception - a thatch building with russet red stone floors. A wide open hallway leads between the office and a small shop, and is furnished with a few seats and some large, potted plants. In the shop you will find a good selection of general souvenirs alongside some toiletries.
The dining room is only a short way from reception, but is hidden from it by the surrounding bush. It is a spacious, open-sided building with a high thatch roof. Individual tables in a variety of sizes are set with white table cloths. The dinning room feels open, cool and comfortable – as with other areas of the lodge, it is simplicity done well.
The best feature of Kirurumu Manyara Lodge is its bar area which has wonderful views over the valley and Lake Manyara. This canvas and stone building is scattered with lounging chairs and has a small library. Canvas flaps roll up to create a totally open front overlooking a broad wooden deck on which you'll find directors' chairs set out – all relaxing points from which to admire the breathtaking views.
Directions: Kirurumu Manyara Lodge is approximately a 2-hour drive from Arusha, a 20-minute drive from Lake Manyara National Park and a one hour drive to the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After leaving the tarmac road, the last 6km to the lodge is along a bumpy track past small villages and shambas (farms).
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The food at Kirurumu Manyara Lodge is mostly fairly standard international style cuisine. The ingredients are fresh, the menu varied and the timings can be flexible around your daily activities.
When we last visited Kirurumu Manyara Lodge we did not have time to sample the food. We did however get a good explanation of what guests could expect during their stay.
In the morning, a buffet breakfast is usually served between 7 and 9am. A variety of cereals and fresh fruit are laid out and a cooked breakfast can be ordered. Hot options include bacon, sausages, tomatoes and your choice of cooked eggs.
For lunch, you can either choose to head out with a packed picnic, or come back to the lodge to eat. If you head back to the lodge, lunch is usually served between 12.30 and 2pm. It is a set menu with three courses made up of international style dishes.
Dinner is also a set three course meal, usually served between 7 and 9pm. The menu for dinner is also international style cuisine, though occasionally Kirurumu Manyara Lodge will have a traditional Swahili night where guests can try a selection of local dishes.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: Yes - on request.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Drinks are an additional charge and you can expect to pay around US$2 for a soft drink, US$3.50 for a beer or a glass of wine and US$20-30 for a bottle of wine.
Children
Attitude towards children: Kirurumu Manyara Lodge will happily welcome children of all ages.
Notes: We would recommend Kirurumu Manyara Lodge for children. It is friendly, relaxed and has some larger suites which are a good size for families. However parents should be aware that there is a steep cliff at the very front of the lodge which is not fenced. There is also the chance that wildlife might pass through the lodge grounds. Children should be under their parent's supervision throughout their stay.
Central communications
Communications: There is internet access with a fairly slow connection in the camp office which guests can use on request. There is intermittent mobile phone reception around the lodge and a landline in the camp office which can be used in a pinch.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: For minor injuries there is a first aid kit on site. There is a doctor at a hotel situated only 15 minutes away and a small clinic in a nearby town which may also be of help. For more serious cases Kirurumu Manyara Lodge has access to the flying doctors.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: There are Maasai guards around the lodge during the day and at night time. Each tent has a padlock with which to lock the tent door's zips together.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers outside the bedrooms and also in the main areas.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available at an extra charge – from about US$1.50 per item of clothing.
Money: Kirurumu Manyara Lodge can exchange small amounts of cash only. Exactly how much is dependent on what they have available. There is a safe available in the reception where valuables can be stored on request.
Accepted payment: At the end of your stay, you can settle your bill using cash in Tanzanian shillings, US dollars and euros. You can also use US dollar travellers' cheques and there is no charge for this.
You can pay using Visa or MasterCard, however there is a minimum spend of US$50 and a 7% surcharge.
Tent looked over Lake Manyara - great
Very luxurious, excellent service, lovely location.
Had very imteresting daytime safari in Lake Manyara National Park followed by a night safari iun the park. At US$120 per person the night time ...
We want you to understand more about Kirurumu Manyara Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Kirurumu's own webpage Kirurumu Tented Camp's own website, which has some lovely pictures and brief factual descriptions, as well as a document on birdlife in the area which you can download.
